Start with ONE!

This week has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, but as always God has stayed consistent. I am thankful for the stability I find in Him and praise Him for His promise in Romans 8:38-39.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

On Sunday I received a call to see if I’d like to work with a small group from Washington DC. I jumped at the chance to visit some of our ministries and to meet new friends in Christ. I was not disappointed J

Throughout the week we visited orphanages, a leprosy home, a rest home, a drug rehabilitation ministry and a day care. We encouraged, were encouraged and spent time crying out to God Almighty for the needs that stood in front of us.

Bedroom at a drug rehabilitation center

 

In one particular home visit I had to fight back tears while translating, when the Haitian grandfather insisted that we spend time praying for the mission team and their needs. This of course as we stood in his home surrounded by his grandchildren that were abandoned by their mother, that don’t have access to running water and often drank salt water out of pure thirst. With the needs that stood before him, this grandfather made time to reach out to others.

 

Then there was the home where the children slept on cardboard because the parents couldn’t afford mattresses….

The drug rehabilitation center where men slept in the loft on cardboard as well….

The day care desperate for more space, so they can welcome in more children…

The orphanage lacking resources…

The lady at the rest home with no family to visit her…

And the list goes on.

 

So what do you do when you face needs that are impossible to meet?

You start with one.

 

I hugged the children with no momma and we left our bottles of water with the family.

We provided mattresses for the rehabilitation center.

We prayed on the potential land for a bigger day care.

We played with the children at the orphanage.

I hugged and talked… and talked… and talked to the older lady with no family to visit her.

 

We weren’t called to solve world hunger. We were called to start with one.

It cost nothing to pray or play, hug or talk… and it was a mere $30 for 3 mattresses and 10 pesos for a bottle of water.

Sometimes we’re overwhelmed by the needs that stand before us. We’re called to start with one.

Matthew 10:42, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."

It was a blessing to work with the Macedonia Baptist church group this week and I learned a lot! Of course, God opened the door for a little fun too.

On Friday I was able to celebrate the birthday of fellow missionary Jaime Snyder. It was fun to laugh and talk over lunch and ice cream, but, though I hope she gets her birthday wishes… I know God answered my prayer for friends. Despite the opinion of many, a married woman needs her girls J I’m so grateful for the ladies God has placed in my life!
 

Friday evening we had a blast at youth group. It was a smaller group… but I enjoy the more intimate times talking with my girls! However, on the ride home I realized just how short life really is. A dear friend of ours nicknamed Lindo was in a serious car accident the day before (he was a passenger) and had just lost the battle on Friday. Only 25 years old. We think we have all our lives to get serious about God… but we need to use our NOW. I know Lindo didn’t expect to enter eternity on Friday.

The weekends are always my favorite, but Robersy did a lot of travelling around to visit Lindo’s family and encourage some of the baseball players that Lindo coached. He said it went well… but of course it was hard to realize “he really is gone!” Prayers appreciated for Lindo’s family!

Sunday was a little more relaxed and we had some great fellowship with fellow missionaries and then were able to gather some baby clothes, diapers, bibs, etc. that mission teams have left to give to a couple with a brand new baby. God is SO good in how He provides!!! We were able to deliver the “goods” today and the family was thrilled!!!

Today was up and down today with unexpected delays and prolonged “adventures” but I got to work on patience and had the opportunity to pray a lot!!! I am SO blessed! I truly, TRULY am blessed. And I thank God for choosing to use me in this amazing country with so many needs around me… and learning to start with ONE.

Culture

Did you know… In the Dominican Republic a women, after having a baby, cannot wash her hair for 41 days or remove her socks for 41 day AND they often tie a string or bracelet around the babies ankle to ward off evil spirits. Interesting…

Favorite GAP (American students who spend 1 year studying Spanish, Bible and missions at SCORE) quote

Me: What is the name of the fruit/vegetable section of the grocery store?

Anna: The dairy section!

Me: Um, no. Ohhhh dear!

J